FEMA maps delayed for months

NIKKI BUSKEY Staff Writer

Saturday

Jun 21, 2008 at 8:00 AM

HOUMA -- New maps that could have a substantial impact on the cost of new flood-insurance policies and enforce strict elevation standards on lower bayou communities in Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes should be out in late June or early July, parish officials said.

But the FEMA flood-insurance rate maps were promised for release in April, and their release has been pushed back since then.

The new maps could be a rude awakening for some Terrebonne residents.

Local flood-insurance rate maps, along with many across the state and the country, have not been updated since 1985 and both parishes have suffered substantial erosion and subsidence since then.

"We have been told that the maps will come out this month," said Pat Gordon, Terrebonne’s planning-and-zoning director, who added that the wait might not be a bad thing.

After reviewing preliminary copies of the maps in early spring, parish officials were shocked to note that the entire parish had been placed in a 100-year flood-plain zone, the most-severe categorization.

Some of the elevations used to make that determination, however, were lower than the actual height of the land, Gordon said.

"We have provided FEMA with additional elevation information that we believed they didn’t have in the past, and it’s my belief that they’re amending those working maps," Gordon said.

He said the documented elevation differences would have been a justification for thousands of protests from local citizens whose flood-hazard zones would have changed.

"We brought that to their attention," Gordon said. "I think the longer they delay the more amendments will be made to the maps that will be to the favor of the parish."

In Lafourche Parish, Darla Duet, parish floodplain manager, said she had heard the maps will be out in early- to mid-July, but she doesn’t have an exact date.

FEMA officials told her that they’re refining final versions of the maps and rolling them out of the printers, she said.

One of the biggest concerns for Lafourche residents is that levees in the southern reach of the parish may be deemed inadequate.

Representatives from FEMA and the corps told Lafourche officials in March that their levee system may not be high or strong enough to keep the parish out of a special flood-hazard zone in updated flood-insurance-rate maps.

The corps must certify that a levee system is up to the required level of federal flood protection and will protect against a 100-year storm for FEMA to consider lowering the flood risk for a region.

"Until we really get the maps, we won’t be 100 percent sure," Duet said. "That’s what we’re most anticipating -- hopefully not as bad as what was told."

That would mean new homes in south Lafourche may have to be built as high as 12 or 15 feet off the ground and residents’ flood-insurance costs could skyrocket if the Parish Council adopts the maps.

The parishes must adopt the maps and enforce the new elevation requirements they will dictate for parish residents to purchase flood insurance from the federal government, the only place you can get it.

The release of the maps will begin a process of official and public review and comment before parishes adopt the maps.

Soon after parish officials have been allowed to review the maps, there will be an open house where residents can look at the maps and determine whether their flood risk has changed, Duet said.

There will be FEMA officials on hand who can help you look up your address and explain to you exactly how your zoning will change and how that change will affect you.

If you disagree with the rate or flood risk that has been set for your area, there’s a 90-day public-comment period to protest.

"You can protest, but you have to have a reason and studies to prove your point," Duet said. "You can’t just say, ëI lived in my house for 60 years and I never flooded.’ "

The maps won’t go into effect immediately, Duet added. It will likely take a year for them to be adopted.

In the meantime, Gordon said, the best thing you can do to prepare yourself for the impending release of the maps is to purchase flood insurance.

"Everyone in Terrebonne Parish needs flood insurance," Gordon said.

Also, residents in low-lying areas should pursue any federal or state money available to assist in elevating their homes, parish officials said.

For example, the parish is going to receive $3 million from the state’s hazard-mitigation-grant program to help elevate homes in the parish, and it is applying for $11 million for residents they’ve lined up who suffered substantial damage during Hurricane Rita.

Anyone who suffered enough damage during the hurricane to get a home elevated can go into the parish permit office and apply, Gordon added.

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.